Academic Honesty Policy

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Inferno Schools Academic Honesty Policy

2025–2026 Academic Year
In Partnership with Concord University

Purpose

Inferno Schools, in collaboration with Concord University, is committed to fostering a learning environment based on integrity, personal responsibility, and academic excellence. This Academic Honesty Policy establishes clear expectations and consequences regarding academic misconduct for all students enrolled in Inferno Schools, especially those participating in dual credit or early college programs.

I. Definitions of Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

1. Plagiarism

Using someone else’s words, ideas, or work without proper citation. This includes copying from books, websites, AI tools, or another student’s work.

2. Cheating

Using unauthorized materials, assistance, or devices on tests, quizzes, or assignments. Examples include:

• Using notes during a closed-book test
  
  

• Copying from another student’s exam
  
  

• Using calculators or websites when not allowed
  
  

3. Fabrication

Falsifying or inventing data, research, citations, or academic documentation (e.g., forging signatures on excuse notes or community service logs).

4. Collusion

Knowingly helping another student cheat or plagiarize. This includes sharing answers, allowing someone to copy work, or working together on individual assignments.

5. Multiple Submissions

Submitting the same academic work for credit in more than one class without permission from all instructors.

II. Expectations

• All students are expected to complete their own work and appropriately acknowledge all sources.
  
  

• Students must understand and follow assignment and exam rules.
  
  

• Faculty and staff will provide guidance on proper citation and collaboration rules.
  
  

III. Reporting and Investigation

1. Initial Report
   Teachers or staff who suspect academic dishonesty must document the issue and report it to the school administrator and the academic honesty coordinator.
   
   

2. Review Process
   The student will be given an opportunity to explain their side in a formal meeting with the administrator, teacher, and parent/guardian.
   
   

3. Concord University Notification (if applicable)
   For dual credit courses, Concord University faculty will be informed, and university-level consequences may also apply.
   
   

IV. Consequences

Consequences escalate with repeated violations. They are categorized into three levels:

🟡 Level 1 Violation

Examples: First-time plagiarism on a homework assignment; minor cheating incident

• Student receives a warning
  
  

• Mandatory academic integrity session
  
  

• Assignment must be redone for partial credit (at teacher’s discretion)
  
  

• Parent/guardian notification
  
  

• Documentation placed in student record
  
  

🟠 Level 2 Violation

Examples: Cheating on a test; repeated plagiarism; collusion

• Automatic zero on the assignment/test
  
  

• Loss of academic privileges (e.g., tutoring positions, club leadership)
  
  

• Parent/guardian meeting
  
  

• Academic Probation for one semester
  
  

• Notification sent to Concord University (if dual credit involved)
  
  

🔴 Level 3 Violation

Examples: Fabricating data; repeated violations; cheating on final exams or major projects

• Failing grade in the course
  
  

• Ineligibility for honors or awards that semester
  
  

• Suspension from school (1–3 days)
  
  

• Removal from Concord University dual credit program
  
  

• Permanent note in academic record
  
  

V. Appeals

Students may appeal any academic dishonesty ruling within 5 school days by submitting a written statement to the school principal. Appeals will be reviewed by a panel including one administrator, one teacher, and one counselor, and a decision will be returned within 7 days.

VI. Education and Prevention

To prevent incidents of academic dishonesty:

• Students will receive instruction on proper research and citation techniques.
  
  

• A mandatory Academic Integrity Workshop will be held each fall.
  
  

• Teachers will clarify expectations for each major assignment.
  
  

VII. Final Notes

Academic integrity is foundational to learning and future success. This policy ensures fairness for all students and upholds the standards of both Inferno Schools and Concord University.

By enrolling in Inferno Schools, students and families agree to abide by this Academic Honesty Policy.